A GREAT LINK ABOUT MAGNETISM

This series of pages from Trinity College in Dublin is fascinating! It's as
much about the early superstitions as about the mechanics of magnetism. I learned
a lot. Very readable. To go to the first page, click
here.

"Seeing" magnetic flux lines:

Although magnetic lines of flux are invisible, iron filings will line up along
them. Iron filings are a common waste byproduct of grinding in welding and fabrication
shops. It is to metalworkers what sawdust is to woodworkers. You only need a
handful or two to be able to see how the lines of magnetic flux radiate from
the magnets into space and back to the opposite pole of the magnet. You can
substitute some steel wool cut into very short pieces.

The least messy way to collect iron filings is to put a magnet in a plastic
bag. Put the filings in a clear plastic bottle or jar. Shake the jar with the
magnet pressed against the side and see what happens.

FLASH! I just found a similar but improved way to see flux lines from the Exploratorium.
Click here.